Wet End Starch Application Equipment Improves Production, Runnability, and Sheet Strength Characteristics, 2003 Spring Technical Conference Proceedings

Solvay Paperboard has fitted all three of their paper machines with a new wet-end technology to apply starch. The first Hydra-SizerR wet-end applicator was installed in August of 2001 on the Paper Machine No. 2 in Solvay, NY. This two ply machine makes recycled linerboard in the 171-337 g/m2 range. The system was installed on the base Fourdrinier. The strength properties of the board were significantly improved, allowing the mill to reduce refining, and speed up the paper machine. The average production increase was 2.9%, with better results on the heavier grades. The mill also documented a significant decrease in the number of paper breaks. The position of the applicator on the Fourdrinier was optimized to maximize inter-ply bonding, achieving Scott Bond strengths in the 290 J/m2 range. The mill has also installed a complete new Paper Machine No. 3 that is also fitted with this technology. This machine produces recycled corrugated medium on a single-ply Fourdrinier machine using old corrugated containers and mixed waste furnish. The last installation was completed in October 2002 on the Paper Machine No.1, which makes lightweight recycled liner. This system is currently undergoing optimization trials.